Is it okay to use ATMs late in the evening in Kenya or should I stick to daytime withdrawals only? I am a single woman travelling so want to be safe.
As a long-term traveler based in Nairobi, I used Absa and Standard Chartered ATMs regularly. Night withdrawals were fine in malls like Junction or Yaya Centre, where there’s always security. But I avoided using any roadside or small market-area machines late. The golden rule? Use secure locations or stick to daytime if unsure.
I stayed near Lake Naivasha and found ATM access pretty limited. I once needed to withdraw late from a Co-operative Bank ATM - it worked, but there was no lighting or security nearby. Kenya’s not unsafe overall, but after-dark ATM use in rural or semi-rural zones isn’t worth the risk. Better to withdraw in town during the day.
During my stay in Mombasa, I tried to get cash from an Equity Bank ATM around 9 PM. The area was mostly empty and lighting was poor. The ATM worked, but I didn’t feel great about being out alone. Locals later told me to avoid withdrawing at night and to always use machines inside hotels or petrol stations when needed after dark.
I was based in Nairobi’s Westlands area and used a KCB ATM at The Sarit Centre around 10 PM. It was inside the mall, well-lit, and felt completely safe. ATM safety at night in Kenya is generally okay if you stick to high-traffic locations. Avoid standalone ATMs or ones near matatu stops - pick shopping malls or bank branches with guards.
Many KCB ATMs have guards and are away from crowded spots. Felt very safe.
Felt very secure using the ATM at KCB Bank. Well-guarded.
The security guys at Absa were incredibly kind and welcoming.
Easy to access Stanbic Banks ATM. No major issues.